NHS: The Family They Never Had

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His polished footwear whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James says, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His observation captures the essence of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, financial instability, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Behind these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in delivering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in institutional thinking. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, establishing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing policies, creating governance structures, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reimagined to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of familial aid. Issues like commuting fees, proper ID, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It gave him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It stands as a bold declaration that systems can evolve to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his presence silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that supports their growth.